Church officials in Manila’s Quiapo district announced that the traditional procession, or “traslacion,” of the image of the Black Nazarene will still be suspended in January.
Father Earl Allyson Valdez of Quiapo Church said in a radio interview on Thursday that the safety of everyone is paramount as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The priest, however, said other activities related to the religious event will continue, including the touching of the image in Manila’s Quirino Grandstand.
“Although there will be no traditional procession, all our usual activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene will continue,” said Father Valdez over DzBB radio.
He said there will still be no “pahalik,” or the traditional kissing of the image.
On January 9, hourly Masses will be celebrated at Quiapo Church starting at 12 a.m.
Masses will also be celebrated in other churches in Metro Manila and other dioceses where replicas of the image of the Black Nazarene will be displayed.
“If people are unable to go to Quiapo Church for the feast, the Black Nazarene itself will go to their respective places and churches,” said Father Valdez.
The priest urged devotees to observe health protocols against COVID-19, such as the wearing of face masks and physical distancing.
The annual “traslacion,” or the transfer of the Black Nazarene image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, which usually draws millions of devotees, has been put on hold since the pandemic hit.
